Trekkup Dubai ✔

Nestled under the shoulder of northwest Africa, crossed by the equator, the three nations of Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and São Tomé & Príncipe are some of the least visited in the world – but offer a treasure trove of sights, sounds and experiences.

As we trace the equatorial line across sprawling volcanic peaks and lush forest wilderness, indigenous villages and wildlife sanctuaries, we’ll discover the beauty of lands unscathed by mass tourism and catch glimpses of the roots of human civilisation.

Surprisingly, all three are off the main tourism radar, but are filled with stunning, unique natural gems that will make you crave to return.
We will dive straight into this African adventure in Equatorial Guinea, to the fascinating island of Bioko, home to the capital Malabo, three volcanic craters and long-established coffee and cocoa plantations.
Colonization of Bioko began with the arrival of Portuguese sailors in 1474, and following hundreds of years of oppression, resistance and uprisings, independence for Equatorial Guinea was eventually declared independent from Spain in 1968. Today, Bioko’s farms and plantations are locally owned, and the island is an off-the-beaten-track paradise, ringed by black-sand beaches, covered by waterfall-filled jungle and overlooked by imposing crater peaks.
Occupying an 800km stretch of the continent’s Atlantic coast, Gabon is a conservationist’s dream. Its land, 10 per cent of which is protected territory, houses 13 national parks, and the highest concentration of elephants across all of Africa. Gabon’s topography is so varied it rivals the diversity of all wildlife here, with landscapes ranging from tropical forests, mangroves and white-sand beaches to savannas and mountains.
This former French colony is a melting pot of 40 ethnic groups, among them the Fang, Tsogo, Teke and the Babongo Pygmies, while the sleepy capital of Libreville is also home to Lebanese, French, Central and West African immigrants. Outside the city, ancient rituals still prevail, including the traditions of Bwiti, a belief system whose costumed followers mark spiritual enlightenment with riotous ceremonies of drumming and dancing.
Next we discover a little-explored Shangri-la, in the Jurassic Park-like landscapes and coastlines of São Tomé and Príncipe. Bisected by the equator and close to the zero meridian, most people wouldn’t be able to locate these islands off the Gulf of Guinea on the map. Known for its mix of Portuguese colonial and local traditions, picture-postcard beaches and “leve-leve” (laid-back) atmosphere, this playground for adventure is sure to tick a number of experiences off your list.
Nature lovers will be in their element, with Obô National Park covering about 30% of the island of São Tomé. Expect dramatic landscapes, with volcanic chimneys emerging in the middle of nowhere, and rich biodiversity, with many endemic species on land and in the surrounding waters. Here we’ll trek through jungle terrain to reach rushing waterfalls, snorkel in waters teeming with marine life and taste some of the world’s finest chocolate.
This epic adventure wraps up in Ghana, the economic powerhouse of Western Africa, where one day is enough to get to know the highlights of capital Accra and witness a unique tradition: the making of elaborately decorated Ghanian fantasy coffins.

This is a journey through wild jungles, impenetrable forests, cascading waterfalls and black sand beaches. Are you ready to explore the unknown, and venture far away from anything resembling a tourist trail?
Let’s go!

DAY 1 // Equatorial Guinea: Malabo
DAY 2 // EG: Lake Moka jungle trail
DAY 3 // EG: Ureca
DAY 4 // Gabon: Sipopo & Islote Horacio --> Gabon
DAY 5 // Gabon: Libreville & Mangroves
DAY 6 // Gabon: Bwiti Ceremony
DAY 7 // Gabon: Pongara
Day 8 // Gabon: Pongara --> Sao Tome
Day 9 // São Tomé: Waterfall, Channels & Chocolate Refinery
Day 10 // São Tomé: Santana
Day 11 // São Tomé: Ilhéu das Rolas --> Ghana
Day 12 // Ghana: Accra

All details available to confirmed RSVPs.

Level of Difficulty: Easy, raw Africa with limited facilities at places.
Duration: 12 days.
Activities: Trekking, boating, canoeing, swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing, wildlife and indigenous tribes encounter.
Rooms & Meals: African upmarket standards – double sharing, single at extra cost subject of availability. Restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: 3,100 EUR + 9000 AED flights.
Cost valid until JUL 31. Past this date, please inquire about cost and availability.

EG: Traditional mansion and 5* hotel,
Gabon: 4* hotel, 1 night in tribal village,
Sao Tome: 4* Eco lodges.

Meals: Restaurant meals excluded. Breakfasts included.

Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, malaria prophylactics compulsory.

Visas:
Equatorial Guinea: E-visa
Gabon: E-visa or Consulate visa in Equatorial Guinea
Sao Tome: visa free or e-visa 30 USD

YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory for crossing inter-african borders.

See yah in Equatoria x

Just a few places on Earth offer such an intense kaleidoscope of nature as Madagascar. Sandstone canyons, limestone karsts, mountains, fertile hills cascading with terraced rice paddies, forests of every kind – wet & rainy, dry, spiny – and a laterite-rich soil that gave the country its nickname of 'Red Island'. With 5000km of coastline, the sea is never very far, turquoise and idyllic in places, dangerous in others. It is the world’s fourth-largest island and its roads are dismal.

Cape Verde, 500 km west of Senegal, lies the archipelago of vertigo-inducing mountains, crystal blue and white sandy beaches with seaside villages. From craggy peaks to green valleys of flowers and sugar cane, throbbing nightlife of Creole West Africa beats from alleys all the way up the towering peaks down to the sparkling bays.

Uninhabited until the 1500’s when Portuguese explorers first discovered the island and used it’s strategic location for cross-Atlantic trade, the population has rarely exceeded 500,000 people and the majority creole ancestry is of European and West African descent. The geologic origins of the island chain are from a volcanic hot spot deep in the Atlantic, creating steep craggy mountains and dramatic landscapes.

Highlight is surely the dizzying vertical island of Santo Antão, ruptured with canyons, gorges and valleys. The second largest island in the chain, its lush green landscapes hidden until you find yourself surrounded by sugar cane plantations, deep ravines of tropical flora and fauna in steamy valleys.

Lets go!

Day 0 // Connecting flight from Casablanca
Meeting at Casablanca airport for connecting flight to Praia 22:30-00:15.

Day 1 // Santiago - Cidade Velha & Praia City
Arrival to Praia 00:15.
Immigration clearance, overnight. After breakfast transfer to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Walk through the historic Rua Banana, visit the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, and learn about the town’s pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade. Famous visitors include Vasco da Gama, Columbus and Magellan, as well as numerous pirates who continually plundered the place. We will enjoy a walk around the small town, visit the museum at the fort and take a seafood lunch in a small bar on the beach. Dinner at a restaurant at Prainha Beach in the evening. Possibility for a night walk to the Farol de Maria Lia lighthouse.

DAY 2 // Sao Vicente - Mindelo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to São Vicente Island. Upon arrival, we’ll head directly to Mindelo, the island’s cultural heart.
Check in the hotel in the charming colonial-style city, then set out to explore its colorful streets, bustling markets, art galleries, and music bars. Walk along the waterfront, visit the replica of Lisbon’s Belém Tower, and relax on Laginha Beach. Enjoy the rhythms of Cape Verdean music and savor delicious local dishes in the evening.

DAY 3 // Santo Antão - Porto Novo to Paul
Today begins with a scenic ferry ride to the lush and mountainous island of Santo Antão. After arriving in Porto Novo, we will drive along the dramatic Corda Road, one of the most beautiful roads in the country, offering panoramic views of deep valleys and towering peaks.
We’ll make several photo stops, including a visit to the breathtaking Cova Crater, a dormant volcano now filled with farmland. The journey continues to the verdant Paul Valley, considered the greenest and most fertile valley in Cabo Verde. Settle into our hotel and enjoy the peaceful rural ambiance.

DAY 4 // Santo Antão - Paul Valley
Wake up to the fresh mountain air and set out for a hike in the Paul Valley, a paradise for nature lovers. As we walk along cobbled paths and terraced fields, pass through traditional villages where locals still live in harmony with nature.
We will get introduce to the flora and fauna of the region, and we'll see how locals cultivate sugarcane, coffee, and tropical fruits. Enjoy spectacular views of towering peaks, waterfalls, and lush greenery. We’ll also have the chance to visit a local distillery and taste the famous grogue, a traditional sugarcane liquor.

DAY 5 // Santo Antão - São Vicente - Santiago
After breakfast, say goodbye to Santo Antão and transfer back to Porto Novo for the ferry ride to São Vicente. Upon arrival in Mindelo, enjoy some final free time for shopping or relaxing before heading to the airport for your flight back to Santiago Island. Take in the last aerial views of the islands as you transition from the mountainous beauty of Santo Antão back to the vibrant rhythm of Santiago.

DAY 6 // Departure
Airport transfer for return flight to Casablanca. See you soon - Até breve!

Level of Difficulty:
Easy available for beginners.

Activities:
Trekking, sightseeing, swimming.

Room & Meals:
Hotels double sharing, restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: 1900 EUR excl. flights, until AUG 09.

Specifically excluded: visa, meals.

Trip starts / ends on Royal Maroc schedule:
Arrival CMN-RAI AUG 16 22:30-00:15 (+1)
Departure RAI-CMN AUG 22 01:15-06:50

Recommended Flights:
3,556 AED (Emirates) + 2,550 AED (Royal Air Maroc)

Visa:
Most nationalities receive visa on arrival and many visa-free.
Morocco: UAE residents get visa on arrival.

See yah at Cabo x

The legendary Kingdom of Himalayas runs its own life, unlike any other country nearby.

Famous for its unique culture, often called the last Shangri-La, this is a place where time is running slower and the main official benchmark is called Gross Domestic Happiness. Home of one of the most spicy cuisines in the world, offers stunning Himalayan landscapes and remarkable authenticity supported by Buddhist philosophy. With stupas and monasteries on every corner, people live here in spectacular harmony with nature.